Wolves fans received a tough update ahead of the trip to Newcastle United, as head coach Vitor Pereira spoke frankly about the challenges facing his squad. From Jorgen Strand Larsen’s injury and contract situation, to the knock-on effects of late arrivals and international duty, Pereira laid it all out in his latest press conference. Here’s a detailed round-up of what he had to say, what it means for Wolves at St James’ Park, and a bit of opinion on where the squad stands.
Vitor Pereira’s Update on JOrgen Strand larsEn’s Injury and Availability
The main headline Wolves fans feared has been confirmed—Jorgen Strand Larsen will not feature against Newcastle. The Norwegian striker, already the focus of transfer window attention and subject to interest from Newcastle themselves, remains sidelined by an injury that kept him out of international duty. Pereira didn’t sugar-coat it: Strand Larsen is still with the medical team, not training with the rest of the squad, and there’s no confirmed return date.
His absence is a real blow. Wolves held on to him despite speculation, but for now must cope without his goals and physical presence up top. Pereira addressed the situation with a practical tone:
He avoided giving any guarantees or timelines. The medical team is being cautious, and fans will have to wait for updates week to week.
Contract talks are ongoing. Despite the setback, Pereira revealed that the club and Jorgen remain locked in discussions over a new deal. The coach said the striker deserves it, reflecting his impact on and off the pitch so far. Both the club’s commitment and the player’s desire to stay were noted—a positive sign during a frustrating patch.
Key Takeaways:
Jorgen Strand Larsen is unavailable due to injury and will not travel to Newcastle.
No set return date. Recovery is monitored daily.
Not training with the squad as he continues rehabilitation with medical staff.
Contract negotiations are active and reflect the player’s value to the team.
The lack of a clear number nine adds to the selection headache for this match.
Squad Dynamics Amid Late Transfers and International Break
Wolves are facing a perfect storm of fixture congestion, jet-lag, and last-minute squad changes. Pereira underlined just how tough preparation has been, with summer signings joining late and many first-team regulars arriving back from South America and Africa only days before matchday.
The boss admitted he had only been able to assemble his entire first-team squad for a single training session ahead of the trip to Newcastle. That’s not ideal at the best of times, but especially hard when facing a side as talented as Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Pereira’s Reaction to Nuno Espirito Santo’s Sacking at Nottingham Forest
The press conference took a brief detour when Pereira was asked about the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest, just three games into the new season. Nuno, once a much-loved figure at Molineux, clearly still commands respect from his fellow countryman.
Pereira’s reply was measured:
“I respect the sacked Portuguese coach and all of his past work, but won’t comment on what happened.”
He avoided speculation or criticism of Forest’s decision, focusing instead on professional respect for a compatriot who helped shape Wolves’ own recent history.
Nuno’s time in charge at Wolves is still fondly remembered by many fans, making news of his rapid exit from Forest especially relevant in this context. Pereira’s dignified approach struck the right note and moved the focus quickly back to matters at Molineux.
Tactical Challenges and Match Preparation Against Newcastle
With so many pieces missing or underprepared, planning for Newcastle has become a real test. Pereira admits he’s been unable to run the detailed tactical sessions he prefers, due to the lack of available senior players during international week, fatigue from long-haul travel for those returning
The match at St James’ Park is tough even for teams in top shape. This week, Pereira has stressed organisation above all else, focusing on discipline and minimising mistakes to give Wolves the best shot at grabbing points.
Organising for the Challenge
With tactical plans limited, much comes down to team spirit and a willingness to battle. Pereira wants a performance built around collective effort, sharp discipline, and bravery—anything less could see the points stay in Newcastle.
Opponents will be missing some key men themselves, but being away from home with a squad still gelling is never easy. For Wolves, this is as much a mental test as a tactical one.
Squad Mentality and Building Cohesion Over Time
Wolves fans are being urged to show patience. Pereira is clear: building a strong, united team takes more than a handful of sessions. The Premier League is unforgiving, and the unique demands mean fresh faces need real time to connect with their teammates on and off the pitch.
He stressed the importance of:
“Repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition.”
In other words, success will follow consistent effort and communication. The focus isn’t just on tactical drills, but also on forming emotional bonds that help a squad weather rough patches together.
Pereira admitted that some critics see Wolves as light in midfield. He believes hard work will fill that gap, and that solutions will be forged by effort and time spent together. As new signings adjust and the group beds in, fans should expect some ups and downs as combinations build.
Mindset: Proving Doubters Wrong
Wolves have been written off by some pundits—tipped to struggle at the bottom this year. Pereira doesn’t want the team caught up in talk of proving doubters wrong; his focus is on process, not outside noise.
He did ask for patience from supporters, explaining that the stop-start start to the season (late arrivals, injuries, international absences) has delayed building a settled side. With a bit of continuity from next week, he’s hoping to finally get everyone on the same page.
VITOR PEREIRA PRESS CONFERENCE SUMMARY
Jorgen Strand Larsen is “not in a condition for the game” and will not feature.
Pereira confirmed: “His [recent] injury was a bit more serious and he’s trying to come back. We want him back as soon as possible, but he’s not training yet.”
He added: “The club and the player are talking about renewing his contract and I think he deserves it.”
On how quickly things will improve: “I don’t know the time [that I will need], but I need time. Now we have everyone with us I need to build the team tactically and mentally. The club did the best they could in the market and the new players arrived a little bit late.”
Pereira said that facing Newcastle would be a “big challenge in normal circumstances” and that with tired players from international duty “it is difficult to prepare for a match like this”.
He added: “We need to adapt. We will do our best and we will compete for the three points.”